Punching device with electromechanically adjustable punch knives

ABSTRACT

The present punching device is for cutting sheet-type layer pieces and has mutually adjustable knife plates and means for adjusting said knife plates to cut pieces from said sheet of desired sizes.

11mm States Plat Miclrenhmlner [4 Man. 18, M72

[54] PUNCHHNG DEVICE WITH [56] References Cimd ELECTROMEfiHANICALLY Amusmnm PUNCH KNIVES UNTED STATES PATENTS 1,481,804 1/1924 Luongo ..83/696 X [72] Invent g g jf fg g" s 3,111,877 11/1963 Rugenstein ..83/657 3,157,085 11/1964 Wohlmuth ..83/657 [22] Filed: May 4, 1970 Primary Examiner-James M. Meister [21] Appl' 34374 Attorney---Linton & Linton [30] Foreign Application Priority Data [57] ABSTRACT M y 1 1969 switlfll'iand The present punching device is for cutting sheet-type layer pieces and has mutually adjustable knife plates and means for [52] U.S.Cl --83/696, 83/657 adju tin aid knife plates 10 cut pieces from said sheet of [51] ill]!- Cfl- 1 1 B26, desired sizes [58] Field 0! Search ..83/696, 657

9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures PATENTEUJANIBHIZ 3.635.115

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A r--- f PATENTEU JAII8WZ SHFEI '4 BF 5 Fig.5

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FUNCHIING DEVICE Wi'lI-I ELECTROMIECHANICALLY ADJUSTABLE PUNCH lKNlWlllS The invention relates to a punching device with electromechanically adjustable punch knives, for the cutting of sheet-type layer pieces such as textiles, leather, rubber, paper, or plastic.

All of the punching devices known to date, except one, have fixed punch knives. Thus, in garments, each size and pattern required a separate punch. Squares and fabrics with a pronounced crosswise effect could not be cut with these punches.

The known device with adjustable punch knives is intended exclusively for cutting trouser parts and has the following disadvantages:

a. Angle adjustments are not possible.

b. Size adjustment is effected by hand with a screwdriver.

c. The adjustments can be carried out only in one direction.

d. The size adjustments are very time consuming and also the holding screws at the knives must be readjusted with every change.

e. The knife parts cannot be exchanged individually. Hence pattern variations are not possible.

f. The additional details of trousers require special punch knives, which can not be adjusted here.

All these disadvantages are eliminated by the punching device according to the present invention. It is characterized in that in the plane of the punch plate mutually adjustable knife plates are provided which have cutter bars with punch knives, that between the knife plates and their relative movement direction toward each other compressed air pistons are arranged for the adjustment of the knife plates, that parallel to the axis of the piston a rack rail is provided in which a gear engages, that a control device is provided which lets the gear and hence the two knife plates move relatively to each other by at least one integral tooth division with the cooperation of the pressure piston, that at least some of the cutter bars with their punch knives are displaceable in their longitudinal direction toward each other, the inner cutting faces of the knives being contiguous and the cutter bars being held displaceable against each other by bearing flange with spacer screw, and that at least a part of the knife plates presents joints for the cutter bars, the end edges of the punch knives lying at least almost in the joint axis and the cutter bar ends leading to the joint being connected with mutually concentric joint parts.

An example of construction of the subject of the invention is illustrated in the drawings, in which:

FIG. I is a top view of the punch plate with the adjustable knife plates for the parts of a suit consisting of trousers and vest, namely on the right side the punch knives and on the left side the knife plates without punch knives, but with the contours of the garments;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section and a transverse section through the pressure pistons of the knife plates taken along line II--II of HG. ll;

FIG. 3 is a long'tudinal section the knife plates;

FIG. 41 is a transverse section of the contiguous knives for the lengthwise displacement taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4a is a longitudinal section taken along line IVaIVa of FIG. 45;

FIG. 5 is a transverse section through a joint of the cutter bars taken along line V-V of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5a is a top view of a joint of the cutter bars of FIG. 5;

F110. 6 a transverse section through knife plates with supporting beam taken along line IV-IV of FIG. l; and

FIG. 7 is a detail A of FIG. ll, the punch knives being provided with lengthwise adjustment and joint.

The punch plate 1 for the parts of a suit consisting of trousers and vest (according to FIG. 1) presents in its center a longitudinal axis 2 as axis of symmetry. On either side of this axis 2, in the plane of the punch plate 1, mutually adjustable knife plates 3 are arranged, said knife plates 3 presenting punch knives 5 which are fastened on cutter bars 4. Most of through the helical spring of the knife plates 3 are symmetrical to the axis 2, i.e., the knife plates for the left sleeve on one side, the knife plates for the right sleeve on the other side, of this axis 2. The knife plates 3 are disposed in rows 6, 7, and 8 at right angles to the axis of symmetry 2. There is provided a plate row 6 for the trouser part, a plate row 7 for the sleeve part, and a plate row 8 for the breast and back part.

The main plates 3 of these plate rows 6, 7 and 8 present for the outer parts of the garment, e.g., for the upper and lower trouser edge, end plates 6a, 6b, which are adjustable relatively to the main plates 3, 6 according to garment size.

For a small garment, dress, the end plates are pulled against the main plates 3, the main plates 3 of the rows 6, 7 and 8 are displaced against the axis of symmetry 2 and the plate rows 6, 7 and 8 adjusted in the longitudinal direction to the axis of symmetry 2, so that a minimum of waste of material results between all fabric parts.

As the punch knives 5 are directed upward with their cutting edge, a minimum width of the cloth band can be selected for a small dress and the latter is pulled over the punch knives 5, so that the cloth band protrudes but little over the outermost punch knives 5. Besides, a checkered fabric can be placed on the punch knives 5 with consideration of the squares and the main plates 3 are adjusted according to the squares.

If the fabric pieces must be cut for a large dress, then first the plate rows 6, 7 and 8 must be adjusted in the direction of the axis of symmetry 2 away from each other, then the distances of the main plates 3 in the plate rows 6, 7 and 8 from the axis of symmetry 2 can be increased, and lastly the end plates also must be displaced outward from the main plates 3.

Between the knife plates 3 or respectively between the knife plates 3 and their end plates, e.g., 6a, and 6b of FIG. 1, there are arranged in the relative movement. direction toward each other compressed air pistons 9 for the adjustment of the knife plates 3 or respectively the end plates (FIG. 2). Piston 9 moves in cylinder 10, which is provided with a compressed air inlet 11. Parallel to the axis of piston 9, two springs 12 are provided which pull the knife plates 3 toward each other counter to the action of piston 9 (FIG. 3). The compressed air piston 9 has a tooth system 13 so that it acts also as a rack rail, in which a gear 14 engages. A control device is provided which locks gear 14 and at current pulse lets the gear 14 and hence the knife plates 3 move relatively toward each other by at least one integal tooth division with the cooperation of the pressure piston 9.

The control device presents as the control member an electromagnet 15 which is provided with an angle lever 16 whose lever arm 17 is designed as a keeper (armature, anchor, escapement) with an arresting tooth 18 and the other lever arm 19 is in operative connection with a spring 20, so that at current pulse the arresting tooth 18 disengages from gear 14 and when magnet 15 is deenergized the arresting tooth I8 locks gear M.

The knife plate 3 provided with the piston 9 presents parallel to the piston axis, a rod-shaped electrical resistance 21 which extends into a ceramic sleeve 23 provided with contact shoe 22 and said sleeve is fitted in the opposite knife plate 3, so that upon adjustment of the knife plates 3 toward each other the electric resistance changes and is therefore used for the determination of the piston position in the control.

Some of the cutter bars 4 with the punch knives 5 are dis placeable in their longitudinal direction toward each other (FIG. 4, 4a) with the inner cutting faces of the knives 5 being contiguous and the cutter bars 4 being held displaceable against each other by bearing flange 24 with spacer screw 24a. The bearing flange 24 acts on the cutter bar 4 through balls 26 guided in longitudinal grooves 25.

Some of the knife plates 3 present joints 27 for the cutter bars a (FIG. 5, 5a) with the end edges of the punch knives 5 lying at least almost in the joint axis 27 and the ends 28, 29 of the cutter bars 4i leading to the joint 27 being connected with mutually concentric, rotatably bearing races 30, 3t. These bearing races 30, 31 are held by balls 32 in radial direction and downward in axial direction in the bearing housing 33.

Some knife plates 3 have supporting beams 34 (FIG. 6) which likewise are provided with compressed air control 9-23. These supporting beams 34 are disposed at points where an adjustment of the knife plates 3 above the punch plate plane 1 is not possible, e.g., for the adjustment of the knife plate 35, for upper vest pocket, from the knife plate 36 and in particular for the adjustment of the plate rows 6, 7 and 8 in the direction of the axis of symmetry 2.

For the enlargement of the upper sleeve part A, FIGS. 1 and 7, the knife plates 37, 38 and 39 are displaced outwardly, the knives being pivoted in the joints 27 and displaced in longitudinal direction at the shift points 40.

The described punching device with electromechanically adjustable punch knives 5 can be connected to an electronic data processing apparatus, so that control by means of punch cards or punch tape is possible.

With a cloth width of up to 150 cm., for suits with doublebreasted vest, all sizes from 42 to 52 and for suits with singlebreasted vest also waist sizes to 53 can be cut. Within these sizes all length and posture measurements are adjustable. Thus also custom-made suits can be cut, it being possible to calculate the cloth consumption exactly according to the size.

It remains to be mentioned that the described punching device permits cutting six complete suits, even custom-made suits, per minute. With the known devices which permit cutting several layers up to 50, simultaneously, one needs for the laying on of a cloth layer of a mens suit 1 to 1 5g minutes. Thus the saving of time with the described device can readily be calculated.

I claim:

1. Punching device with electromechanically adjustable punch knives, for the cutting of sheet-type layer pieces such as textiles, leather, rubber, paper, or plastic, comprising a punch plate, mutually adjustable knife plates being provided in the plane of said punch plate, cutter bars with punch knives mounted on said knife plates, compressed air pistons being connected to and arranged for the adjustment of said knife plates, rack rails connected to said pistons, gears engaging said rack rails, a control device being provided which lets said gears and hence two of said knife plates to move relatively to each other by at least one integral tooth division, at least a part of the cutter bars with their punch knives being displaceable in their longitudinal direction toward each other, an adjustablebearing flange connected to said cutter bars for displacing the same against each other with the inner cutting faces of said knives contiguous, and that at least a part of said knife plates having joints for said cutter bars, the end edges of said punch knives lying at least in the joint axis and cutter beam ends leading to said joints being connected with mutually concentric joint parts.

2. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that two springs are provided parallel to said piston, which pull said knife plates toward each other counter to the action of said piston.

3. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said air pressure piston is double acting and connected to two air lines.

4. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said piston is designed as said rack rail into which said gear engages.

5. Punching device according to claim 4, characterized in that said control device includes an electromagnet, a pivoted angle lever having one lever arm designed as a keeper with an arresting tooth positioned to engage said gear and an other lever arm, spring tending to move said other lever arm and thus said keeper to said gear, said electromagnet being arranged so that upon receiving current said arresting tooth disengages from said gear and when deenergized said arresting tooth locks said gear.

6. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the knife plate provided with said piston presents parallel to the piston axis, a rod-shaped electrical resistance, a ceramic sleeve in which said resistance extends, a contact shoe on said resistance, said sleeve being fitted in the opposite knife plate so that on adjustment of said knife plates toward each other the line resistance changes and therefore is used for the determination of the piston position in said control.

7. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said bearing flange and said cutter bar facing it have ball grooves and balls in said grooves.

8. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said joint has at said cutter bars two mutually concentric, rotatable bearing races, balls holding said races in radial direction and downward in axial direction in the bearing housmg.

9. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of said cutter bars have supporting beams and compressed aircontrols for said supporting beams. 

1. Punching device with electromechanically adjustable punch knives, for the cutting of sheet-type layer pieces such as textiles, leather, rubber, paper, or plastic, comprising a punch plate, mutually adjustable knife plates being provided in the plane of said punch plate, cutter bars with punch knives mounted on said knife plates, compressed air pistons being connected to and arranged for the adjustment of said knife plates, rack rails connected to said pistons, gears engaging said rack rails, a control device being provided which lets said gears and hence two of said knife plates to move relatively to each other by at least one integral tooth division, at least a part of the cutter bars with their punch knives being displaceable in their longitudinal direction toward each other, an adjustable-bearing flange connected to said cutter bars for displacing the same against each other with the inner cutting faces of said knives contiguous, and that at least a part of said knife plates having joints for said cutter bars, the end edges of said punch knives lying at least in the joint axis and cutter beam ends leading to said joints being connected with mutually concentric joint parts.
 2. Punching device according to claim 1, characteriZed in that two springs are provided parallel to said piston, which pull said knife plates toward each other counter to the action of said piston.
 3. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said air pressure piston is double acting and connected to two air lines.
 4. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said piston is designed as said rack rail into which said gear engages.
 5. Punching device according to claim 4, characterized in that said control device includes an electromagnet, a pivoted angle lever having one lever arm designed as a keeper with an arresting tooth positioned to engage said gear and an other lever arm, spring tending to move said other lever arm and thus said keeper to said gear, said electromagnet being arranged so that upon receiving current said arresting tooth disengages from said gear and when deenergized said arresting tooth locks said gear.
 6. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that the knife plate provided with said piston presents parallel to the piston axis, a rod-shaped electrical resistance, a ceramic sleeve in which said resistance extends, a contact shoe on said resistance, said sleeve being fitted in the opposite knife plate so that on adjustment of said knife plates toward each other the line resistance changes and therefore is used for the determination of the piston position in said control.
 7. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said bearing flange and said cutter bar facing it have ball grooves and balls in said grooves.
 8. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that said joint has at said cutter bars two mutually concentric, rotatable bearing races, balls holding said races in radial direction and downward in axial direction in the bearing housing.
 9. Punching device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of said cutter bars have supporting beams and compressed air controls for said supporting beams. 